C43/100
Yakima Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 163,162 residents · Washington
What's In Yakima's Tap Water?
77
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.60 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – September 26, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
Snake River Housing Water System
Population Served
3,036
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5300710
YAK CO - TERRACE HEIGHTS
Population Served
8,410
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5306029
NOB HILL WATER ASSOCIATION
Population Served
36,026
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5359700
Pelican Point By Cascadia LLC
Population Served
1,357
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5366800
TIETON WATER DEPT CITY OF
Population Served
1,475
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5388300
YAKIMA WATER DIVISION CITY OF
Population Served
112,858
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
WA5399150
Frequently Asked Questions About Yakima Water
Is Yakima tap water safe to drink?
Yakima, Washington tap water receives a grade of C (43/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 279 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Yakima's water?
Of the 77 contaminants tested in Yakima's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Yakima have any water quality violations?
Yes, Yakima has 279 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, MCL, MR. 12 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Yakima?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Yakima is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Yakima's tap water come from?
Yakima's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by Snake River Housing Water System and 5 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 163,162 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Yakima's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Yakima's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Yakima's water compare to other cities in Washington?
Yakima's water quality score of 43/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Washington state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Yakima's water quality?
If you have concerns about Yakima's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (Snake River Housing Water System) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.